news & events : newsworthy information
Recent YWCA Missoula Press Releases:
April 6, 2008: YWCA Partners with UM Women's Center for 'Take Back the Night'
April 4, 2008: YWCA Launches Investment Courses for Women
April 1, 2008: GUTS! Gears Up for Summer Wilderness Adventures
March 27, 2008: Hellgate High Senior Plans Fashion Fundraiser for YWCA
February 25, 2008: YWCA to Host Women's Film Fest Fundraiser March 19
February 15, 2008: Nominations Needed for 20th Salute to Women Awards Gala
February 2008: YWCA Praises Missoulian's Protest of Hooters Restaurant in Op-Ed
Jan. 21, 2008: YWCA to Commemorate Martin Luther King Day
Jan. 10, 2008: Spring Volunteer Opportunities at YWCA Missoula
Jan. 7, 2008: New Launch of Racial Justice Ads Asks 'What Are You Doing to Eliminate Racism?'
Dec. 20, 2007: Jazz Musician Eden Atwood Hosts Fundraise for YWCA, Watson Children's Shelter
Oct. 24, 2007: Game Show Network Honors YWCA Missoula's Anti-Racism Campaign
October 2007: Talk to Your Teens About Dating Violence
Oct. 3, 2007: YWCA Missoula Staffers Win Awards
Oct. 1, 2007: YWCA Missoula Commemorates 'Week Without Violence'
YWCA USA to Allow Exceptions to Female-Only Policy
Local associations can apply to have men as voting members (WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 29, 2006). Members of the YWCA USA today adopted a measure to allow local YWCA USA associations to welcome men as voting members and in governing positions under certain circumstances. The policy change occurred during the 148-year-old women's membership organization's annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
The YWCA USA's nearly 300 local associations will have the option of remaining female-only. However, those that wish to include men as voting members and in governing positions will be able to apply to the YWCA USA's governing body - the National Coordinating Board (NCB) - for an exception to the national organization's female-only policy. “Women have come a long way since the YWCA USA was founded in 1858 in terms of basic civil rights,” said YWCA USA CEO Peggy Sanchez Mills. “We realize that we still have a long way to go to achieve parity with men in many areas, however, we believe that men who are committed to the mission of the YWCA USA - eliminating racism and empowering women - will help us further our common goals.”
Men have long been involved in the YWCA USA as non-voting associates, staff, donors, volunteers and program participants. As with many organizations whose memberships had been exclusively male or female, the YWCA USA examined its policies relating to gender. In 2003, the YWCA USA's NCB created a task force comprised of representatives from each of the nine YWCA USA regions to thoroughly study the issue. Based on the task force report, the NCB recommended that the bylaws be changed to allow men into membership and governing positions under certain circumstances. A set of standards by which local associations can qualify for an exception to the female-only policy will be developed and implemented within six to eight months.
“The decision to allow men into the organization's membership and governance will not change the YWCA USA's ongoing commitment to providing quality programs and services, as well as employment opportunities, to all individuals,” said Sanchez Mills. “Our mission to eliminate racism and empower women will remain the same.” For nearly 150 years, the YWCA USA has been on the forefront of the movement to advance the lives of women and girls and has worked tirelessly to promote equality for people of all races. Local associations across the country are committed to creating opportunities for women's growth, leadership and power.
For more information about the YWCA USA, visit www.ywca.org, or call 202-467-0801.
About the YWCA USA
Founded in 1858 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the YWCA USA is a women's membership movement whose mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. Strengthened by diversity, the YWCA USA draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership and power to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.
Currently, the YWCA represents approximately 2 million women, girls and their families in the United States, and 25 million women worldwide. The YWCA USA has nearly 300 local associations throughout the United States. The World YWCA is at work in more than 100 other countries. For information about the YWCA USA, visit our Web site, www.ywca.org, or contact the YWCA USA at 202-467-0801.
YWCA Allows Exceptions to Female-Only Policy Frequently Asked Questions
How will this change affect the YWCA's mission, programs and services?
The YWCA's mission will remain unchanged. Our nearly 300 local associations are
committed to creating opportunities for women's growth, leadership and power - keys to furthering the YWCA's mission to eliminate racism and empower women. The decision to welcome men into voting membership and governance will not change the YWCA's ongoing commitment of providing quality programs and services, as well as employment opportunities, to all individuals.
Will all YWCA associations be required to have male members?
Under the new policy, local associations can choose to remain female-only in terms of
membership and governance. None will be required to have men as members or in governing positions.